3 Small Appliances Perfect for the College Kid

For many families, back to school means gearing up to pack lunches again. But for those sending kids away to college and university, making sure they are eating healthy and nutritious meals is a different challenge.

Aside from teaching your kids how to cook some basic meals, set them up for success by making sure they have the tools they'll need to fend for themselves. Knowing they aren't likely to spend hours cooking a 3-course meal, the key is to arm them with a few small appliances that will be their trusty sidekicks in the kitchen ⁠—helping them to produce delicious meals in no time!

Student living usually means cramped quarters and shared spaces, which is why small appliances are the perfect solution. Here are 3 must-haves for the college-bound kid.

Compact Countertop Microwave

Forget what you know about big, bulky microwaves. This compact version is perfect because it takes up less space in the kitchen and can still be worked into a small space. Providing easy solutions for quick and healthy meals on the fly, even the most inexperienced home cook can use it to serve up everything from delicious Fettuccine with Shrimp, hearty Beef Stroganoff, to cheesy Frittata Squares.

Toaster Oven

For living spaces without large kitchens (or even any conventional ovens), check out this compact toaster oven. Pre-set cooking modes and precise temperature controls means your college kid can cook way more than simple toast: even a personal-sized pizza fits inside!

Rice Cooker

What we love about this appliance is all the meals and sides you can use it to make so effortlessly. From the obvious steaming side of rice, quinoa or barley, to the less obvious morning bowl of oatmeal or evening meal of steamed dumplings — the options don't end there. The mighty little rice cooker can be used to cook soups, double as a sauté pan, moonlight as a skillet and even act as a wok — all perfect options for the college cook. And for a fun app or meal, this recipe for easy-to-prepare Sushi Balls is sure to be a hit.

So put those back-to-school worries aside and rest easy that your grad-to-be will be well-fed, even without you there to pack their lunch box!